Dermatitis

While rosacea and dermatitis are different skin disorders, sometimes they can coexist at the same time. Approximately 35% of people with rosacea have seborrheic dermatitis which makes for an even more sensitive skin condition.

Seborrheic dermatitis involves overactive sebaceous glands which cause inflammation, flaking, and a red rash in the central portion of the face. If one looks closely, the flakes usually have a greasy look, smell, and feel. The dryness of seborrheic dermatitis is perceived because of the flaking which consists of dried layers of accumulated oil.

Seborrheic dermatitis causes yellowish scales to develop on the scalp, the hairline, and the eyebrows. This is often confused with the crusting and scaling on the eyelids that occur with ocular rosacea. A doctor should check any scaling around the eyes, as the potential side effects of ocular rosacea are more serious than those of seborrheic dermatitis.

Topical steroids used in the treatment of dermatitis can create steroid induced rosacea. This condition typically worsens when the steroid is stopped, which is known as steroid rebound or steroid withdrawal. In an unfortunate cycle the steroid may be reapplied to diminish the redness which only worsens the condition.

Many times topical steroids are prescribed to treat the symptoms of eczema, a skin condition characterized by itchy, red, scaly skin. They are also used for other inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. They don't cure the conditions but can ease the symptoms. They work by reducing inflammation of the skin and thus easing the symptoms of itching, redness, and swelling that occur with these skin conditions.

Topical steroids frequently cause thinning of the skin if used for long periods of time. They can also cause acne-like pustules, dermatitis, broken blood vessels under the skin, stretch marks, loss of skin color (which may clear-up on stopping treatment) and, when used on the face, a rosacea-like disorder (reddening of the skin), also known as steroid rosacea. Other side effects can include itching, easy bruising, and in some cases skin infection.

Perioral Dermatitis is a rosacea-like eruption around the mouth area. Topical steroid use and fluoridated toothpaste are the most common culprits. Perioral dermatitis appears mainly in women between the ages of 15 and 40. It consists of small red papules or pustules without spider veins which characteristically circle the mouth area but does not affect the lips. There may also be scaling.

Some find that discontinuing the use of fluoridated or tartar control toothpaste for six months may help reduce the symptoms of perioral dermatitis.

The key to an effective treatment is to find a product which can treat the symptoms of dermatitis without aggravating or causing rosacea.

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